While I was thinking about waking up yesterday, I was thinking about American politics and how we are such a divided country right now, more so than any other time I can recall in my life. Many people are so concerned about what's going on in Washington; they're protesting in the streets, writing angry Facebook posts, disowning family members and unfriending people for divergent views.
Here's what I think. And it has nothing to do with Washington.
It has nothing to do with Politics.
It has to do with Family.
We need to, as a society, spend more time with our family. Carve out the time to make our Family First. Foster camaraderie between our children. Present a united front to everyone else.
How to do that in such a busy world? Parents' business obligations, children's school work and sports obligations, take up so much time. Dinner with the family every night impossible? How about a couple of times a week? Make that a priority. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night, we're having dinner together. In my family, I try to make our together time Sunday morning brunch. Now, my children are all adults and don't all live with me, but that's our aim, even now that we are not all under the same roof. When they were young, we always tried to have dinner together as much as possible and Sunday brunch was only for Christmas, Easter and other special days. Sunday brunch is what works for us now.
What can you do to foster that family time? (You had to know this was coming)
Take a family camping vacation.
Disconnect from the plush comforts of every day. I'm not saying sleep on the hard ground and scavenge for nuts and berries to eat. I'm just saying disconnect from the hectic schedule you may have.... and reconnect with your family!
and here's a really novel idea... everyone disconnect from electronics including phones for ONE day of your vacation. Put your phones in a cabinet in the camper and leave them there. It might be too much for some for a whole day... so ease them into it... how about put your phone and tablet and laptop and kindle/nook and game system and tv and everything else electronic away for an evening. Put together a puzzle or play a game together instead.
When my kids were young the school would sponsor TV Turn Off Week ... it was usually around this time of year when the weather was warming up to encourage kids to go outside and play after school.
Positive Change in the World starts at home. Show your kids, your spouse, your nieces and nephews, your brothers and sisters, your parents, whomever is important to you, that you love them.
"Be the Change you wish to see in the world"(~Gandhi)
Kindness begets kindness.
If you can't be kind, be quiet.
Our children learn through our actions.
"...you are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here..." (~desiderata)
So those are some of my thoughts on how to change the world. Start at home. Set a good example. Take your kids camping. Don't sweat the small stuff.
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